Business with Marketing - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
Looking for a business marketing course in Birmingham? Our BA (Hons) Business with Marketing degree offers the opportunity to take a year-long sandwich placement in industry. The course upholds the principles for responsible management education (PRME) defined by the United Nations. It aims to educate future business leaders for a sustainable future....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject Business and Management
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
Looking for a business marketing course in Birmingham? Our BA (Hons) Business with Marketing degree offers the opportunity to take a year-long sandwich placement in industry.
The course upholds the principles for responsible management education (PRME) defined by the United Nations. It aims to educate future business leaders for a sustainable future.
Our course will equip you with practical skills and enterprising attributes, enabling you to make an immediate impact on business organisations. You will be able to develop a wide range of cognitive and intellectual skills, together with competencies specific to business and enterprise.
You will be working with academics with specialist knowledge and industry practitioners. Our empowering learning environment will further facilitate your learning journey by providing additional support through learning mentors and study buddies. The course will provide you with the opportunity to develop specialist marketing and business skills, and key transferable skills, all of which will help you stand out when it comes to securing employment.
What's covered in this course?
Your learning will embrace the development and operation of business markets, the management of key resources including human capital, financial management, strategic management and cultural awareness. In addition, you will gain an insight into digital business, exploring how technology has remodelled the business world, and reflect on the accompanying issues around social responsibility and ethical behaviour.
Your course will foster your intellectual and ethical development and encourage your personal commitment to the socially useful purpose of becoming a business professional. It will also develop your core behaviours through learning activities that enable you to practise, exhibit and develop confidence in enterprise and entrepreneurship.
After gaining a solid grounding in business functions, you will be able to specialise in our Business pathway for your next two years. BA (Hons) Business with Marketing will equip you with the communicative, administrative and creative skills needed to make an impact in the marketing industry.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Why Choose Us?
- We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
- The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business off the ground.
- We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business community. We have strong links with local businesses in the city across several industries. These links help us enhance students’ experiences by giving them access to industry experts for guest lectures, exciting placement opportunities and other chances to engage with the business community as a whole.
- We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. Through the Link Agency we give students the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software and with real-world clients. These offer a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 19 October 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
-
TBC
- Apply via UCAS
- Part Time
- 5 Years
- Show fees
- £1542 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 60 credits
- Year 2 - 60 credits
- Year 3 - 80 credits
- Year 4 - 80 credits
- Year 5 - 80 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
-
TBC
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Whilst your degree is a highly valued indicator of achievement and ability for employers, a successful career is also dependent on the development of the right attitudes and behaviours. This is reflected in the findings from a recent survey undertaken by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which identifies that, in addition to qualifications, 60% of employers also look for broader skills when recruiting individuals straight from education.
The aim of this module is to enable you to explore the operational activities of a business through its value chain from its suppliers to its customers. It will utilise activities that draw on the themes of problem-based learning, employability, reflection and professional development.
Have you ever considered why you bought your smartphone? Or why you ate in that fast food restaurant? Or why you decided to buy that brand of trainers? Every day, billions of people spend their money on products and services without necessarily considering why they decided to buy those particular offerings. Whether you are aware of it or not, each of these products and services have been carefully developed to fulfil the needs of a particular target audience of which you may be a part.
This module introduces you to a range of methods and techniques for calculating and analysing data applicable to business. Where possible, the calculations are based on real-world data and will include some large and complex data sets. You will learn various statistical techniques such as correlation, regression and hypothesis testing to forecast and solve business problems.
In this module you will examine the theoretical perspectives that underpin understanding of organisations and management activities. It seeks to give you a firm grounding in the philosophies underpinning basic economic/market approaches, why organisations exist, and how and why industries take particular forms at any given time. You will also explore the relative heterogeneous – vs. – homogenous balance between firms in any given industry [i.e. how much are firms in the industry different from each other in terms of strategy, structure, systems and culture, and how much are they the same?].
This module makes a significant contribution to the course philosophy by providing the knowledge and understanding of all the key concepts upon which consumer behaviour is built. In line with the course aims and level 4 learning outcomes, this module establishes a sound foundation on which to base future study, as it delivers the theoretical underpinning necessary for successful marketing, focusing on the centre of a business – the consumer.
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
This module introduces you to the advanced analytics of data. In a data-driven business environment, the importance of such skill is paramount. Building on your essential analysis for business module in the first year, you will enhance your knowledge of a range of methods and techniques for analysing data applicable to businesses. You will be able to make data-driven logical business decision using advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis programmes (e.g. SPSS, STATA, Nvivo).
In this Business Strategy module, you will explore the key concepts that shape strategy, formation and execution. Comprehensive coverage of topics includes current debates on ethics and resource-based strategy, more classic topics on the external environment, internal environment, including strategic management of business challenges.
You will investigate the impacts of global issues such as pandemics, public health, global warming, financial interconnectedness, migration, geopolitical events, the power of media, and demographic shifts on large businesses in the Dynamic Business Issues and Solutions module. These issues affect businesses directly and often indirectly. Large businesses are often more exposed to global shocks due to their exposure to international markets. Businesses, therefore, need to have a greater awareness of these issues and understanding of the scale of impact, they might have on sustainable growth.
This module will introduce you to the language spoken by accounting professionals. You will gain an understanding of how financial statements are prepared. This is key to being able to interpret the financial position and performance of companies using ratio analysis. This module will also give an insight into how standard costs are developed for products and services and how they are key to the budgeting process.
Marketing communications is a key strategic area for any business as it gives visibility and understanding of an organisation’s products and or services. It utilises a variety of techniques, communication tools and media to deliver these messages, designing campaigns that drive the desired behavioural responses.
This module will allow you to not only understand the tools and techniques used in marketing communications but apply this knowledge to design and create your own campaigns. Professional practice requires brands to create a narrative that is consistently delivered across a variety of tools and media. This neutral approach to communications planning therefore does not start with the premise that a particular tool or media be used, instead it requires deeper understanding of the audience, the marketplace and the product, allowing campaigns to be designed that are relevant for the communication challenge presented.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module is designed to allow you to develop your problem solving skills in creative ways. The module will explore understandings of creativity and how creative thinking can make a difference. Problem solving is an important skill for more effective study and employability. This module will examine what a problem is (a gap between where you are and where you want to be), the importance of imaginative fact finding, definition and redefinition, idea generation, option generation and making choice.
The aim of this module is to provide you with ‘real world’ event management experience. Integral to the module will be a focus on group work, enabling you to utilise your event management skills accrued at level 4 to exhibit decision making skills when choosing a viable event to execute, selecting an appropriate venue and promoting the event, and ultimately running their chosen event. The relevant literature is explored, but with a consistent view of the importance of applying theory and planning in practical business contexts.
This module, where a programme of study enables it, is open to Business School students, who choose to undertake an international Study Abroad mobility experience within their second year of study. The aim of this module is to enable you to explore your mobility experience through a cross-cultural lens that focusses on the key themes of your discipline in an international context, together with your personal development. This is achieved by activities that draw on research enquiry, creativity, culture, reflection and professional development.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Business With Marketing with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits):
The module provides you with an introduction to the main issues of international business. This module deals with the cultural, administrative, geographical and economic differences around the world and how these differences shape businesses today. Three fundamental issues that this module addresses are: (i) the differences among domestic, international and global firms; (ii) the attributes of multinational corporations (MNCs) and finally; (iii) the determinants of success in international business.
The business environment is undergoing constant change and this is largely driven by technological advances which enable organisations to better identify and reach prospective customers. Organisations can no longer obtain a competitive advantage simply by producing high quality goods or services and offering them for sale within the market. The way that the consumer makes their buying decisions has changed and nowadays they no longer expect to be the passive recipients of mass messages. Customers now expect to enter into a two-way conversation with organisations, thus changing the monologue into a dialogue: a two-way conversation.
Marketing is usually involved in providing information used in strategic decision-making and is often in the forefront of executing such decisions. It is very important for marketers to have an understanding of strategy and planning as it enables marketing activities to be directed to the specific needs of that organisation. You must appreciate the complexities of preparing and implementing longer-term, customer-focused plans and the significant role of marketing and management in contributing to the core vision of the organisation and the achievement of its plans.
The aim of this module is to provide insight into the methodological foundations of business research, which will enable you to conduct a substantial piece of disciplinary research.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
Let me ask you something... Could you tell me the main benefits of the next smartphone that you're hoping to buy? Is it the 256GB of storage? The HD retina display? Perhaps the pixel resolution on the camera? Now, could you tell me the impact that the production of that phone has on the environment and on society? Would you consider giving up your smartphone for the greater social good?
This module provides you with a thorough grounding in the techniques of sales and business development needed to achieve organisational objectives. Whilst the module focuses primarily on the sales process within business to business manufacturing and retail contexts, it also explores business to consumer contexts. Employment in sales related careers within the business to business sector represents 8% of total UK employment – one of the UK’s largest sectors of employment and is forecast to grow by 12% by 2020.
This module focuses on the strategic management issues and decision-making approaches in the context of International Supply Chain and Operations Strategy. You will study different types and levels of strategies and understand the relationship among them. You will also study strategic supply chain decision-making, focusing on areas such as corporate strategy, globalisation, procurement and outsourcing, production and inventory management, international management, and strategic alliances. You will be able to use a range of models, tools and/or techniques to analyse business and operations status and further support strategy development as well as daily operations optimization. The module content also emphasises the ethics and sustainability of supply chain and operations, which is a key theme among modern businesses. Additionally, some new trends and concepts e.g. digital production, e-supply chain, block chain, supply chain resilience will be discussed to open your horizon and prepare you for future challenges.
The aim of this module is to provide a framework for you to undertake a significant piece of disciplinary-relevant accounting, business or management research. It is founded upon Birmingham City Business School’s teaching and learning philosophy which integrates theory and practice, in this case research practice. A Business Research Project presents a short academic piece of work based, delivered in a “letters” journal article format, which is relevant to your degree programme.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Download course specification
Download nowEmployability
Enhancing your employability skills
Throughout the programme, you will receive assistance for your own development through co-curriculum activities including dedicated Employability Challenge Weeks and extended induction and transition programmes.
The University has introduced the BCU Graduate+ programme, which is an extra-curricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject based skills that you develop through your programme with broader employability skills and techniques that will enhance your employment options when you leave university.
International
Welcome to Birmingham City University, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Our Business programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
International ServicesOur international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £400 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law and Business students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
David McGee
Course Leader
David is a teaching fellow in the Business Department within BCU’s Business School. David is actively engaged in research for a Doctoral in Business Administration on the subject, ‘The use of humour of the communication process’.
More about DavidDr Shishank Shishank
Associate Professor in Digital Transformation and Operations Management
Dr Shishank is an Associate Professor in Digital Transformation and Operations Management at Birmingham City University. Dr Shishank brings industry experience to his role having undertaken project management position in an Oil company before joining the University to pursue his MSc degree. He has also worked as an operations and strategy...
More about ShishankDr Krish Saha
Associate Professor in Circular Economy
Krish has extensive experience in pedagogic leadership and academic research. His current research program focuses on circular economy-based sustainable business practices. Krish also works with small and medium size companies to improve their environmental and social impact.
More about Krish